Consistent scratching can be stressful for both you and your dog. Scratching alone can lead to secondary infections or it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Here are a few tips that can help. As always, consult your veterinarian to make sure there are no contraindications with your pet.

Rule out parasites, especially fleas. Use a flea comb to check for fleas, flea eggs, and ticks. Should you find any, see your veterinarian for a safe and effective flea preventative and treatment. DO inform your veterinarian if you also have cats, as some preventatives and treatments can be very toxic to felines. Follow the instructions to the letter.

Consider using diatomaceous earth along the perimeter of your home and yard. Follow instructions carefully, while it’s non-toxic if consumed, it is harmful if inhaled. Diatomaceous earth can be found at many pet stores and lawn and garden centers.

Consider treating your yard with a product like Interrupt that contains beneficial nematodes that will consume flea larvae and other pests.

Parasites can vary by area. In some parts of the country flea preventative treatment is not necessary year round, while in warmer, humid climates it can be beneficial.

Check for rashes and fungal infections like ringworm. If found get your dog an appointment immediately. Ringworm is a HIGHLY contagious fungal infection and should be treated aggressively to avoid passing it back and forth among pets and humans. Mange is another skin issue that should be treated by your veterinarian. If anyone suggests using things like motor oil or coconut oil exclusively to solve mange issues. Run away. Quickly.

Bathe your dog using a gentle shampoo. This can ensure that you are removing any potential irritants from the coat. Dr. Bronner’s tea tree and peppermint formulas both provide a small amount of flea protection. Coconut based shampoos like Love Yer Dog and mild lines like Organic Oscar are also a good bet. Weekly bathing is typically the absolute maximum to avoid drying our your pet’s skin. In some cases, prescription shampoos can help to address skin issues. Avoid the following in shampoos:

Sodium Laurel or Laureth Sulfate (sulfates in general). Used primarily in lather production, lather is not necessary for effective cleaning. Sulfates can be irritating to skin and contribute to dryness.

Parabens – the jury is still out, but these anti bacterial agents may be harmful and aren’t necessary for good cleaning.

Phthalates – again, the jury is out on their safety in shampoos, but be on the safe side until we know more.

In general with non-prescription pet shampoos or when using human shampoos on your pets, stick with products with the fewest and most pronounceable ingredients.

What’s in your dog food? Dogs digestive systems can have a hard time processing things like corn, wheat, soy, and grains like rice. Consider a grain-free or limited ingredient diet to rule out food allergies. Most food sold in grocery stores and discount chains have ingredients that can be problematic for pets. Talk to the folks at your local independent pet food store who generally stay very up to date on developments in nutrition.
Consider using a commercial raw diet as an elimination trial to test for food allergies before getting your pet a full panel allergy test. Try Primal Grinds for a few weeks to see if your dog improves. If so, food allergies could be the culprit. Reintroduce foods slowly if you can’t afford to keep your pet on a raw diet. If you decide to move back to dry, go with a limited ingredient option like Zignature.

Consider an omega fatty acid additive to your dog’s meal. Fish oils can be fantastic, we suggest rotating the type of fish on each new bottle. Sardine, salmon, and pollock oils are good options. Coconut, flax, or olive oils can also help. Supplements like Missing Link Veterinary Formula or PetKelp can also make a huge difference. You do want to make sure you check with the vet about how appropriate fish oils and supplements are for your dog, especially if your dog is diabetic or has thyroid issues. In some cases the additional iodine in fish oils and kelp might not be a good fit.

Thyroid problems can also cause skin issues. A blood panel should be considered to text thyroid function if diet and parasites have been ruled out. The good news is that medications for thyroid treatment are generally very affordable.

While some over the counter antihistamines are safe for use in dogs, absolutely, positively, consult with your vet BEFORE you administer them to your pets. While they can be a tool in your arsenal, there are serious side effects to consider. Some also can be purchased through your vet in a chewable form so you don’t have to wrestle a pill down your dog.

Just like humans, some dogs have serious allergies and may require medications like steroids to keep them managed. Allergy tests can be helpful and in some cases necessary to determine what is making your dog miserable. Talk to your vet about medication side effects and educate yourself on treatment options. Most vets are happy to make sure your pet is getting the right option. There is a caveat. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. We encourage a holistic approach and many allergy problems can be solved at home, but not all can. Look for articles from sources that involve science! Not all home remedies are safe. Some do work, but some waste money and can harm your pet. If you don’t like your vet’s approach, for example you feel that they dismiss all home remedies, seek out a vet who encourages the safe and effective ones, but knows when it’s time to use pharmaceuticals.*All products mentioned are those we have seen work with our clients or our own pets. We have received no compensation for their mention.

Planned Pethood International has broken ground on its international training center located in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. This new building will function as both a veterinary clinic for local residents and a training center for up to six visiting veterinarians who wish to train in high volume spay/neuter surgery.

Veterinarians from all over the world will be provided board and training while they stay at the facility. Fifty to one hundred veterinarians from Mexico will be trained annually in addition to others from the United States and Europe. Our goal is to sterilize at least 3,000 companion animals yearly and provide two humane education classes monthly to the local population.

Once veterinarians are trained in high volume surgery, they will return to their own communities to start a Spay It Forward program designed to increase sterilization rates in their area.

Ultimately, this clinic and training center will reduce the roaming dog population in Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche and increase the health and welfare of roaming dogs in the area. Moreover, we expect a reduction of dog bites and attacks perpetrated by roaming dogs to increase quality of life for the residents, as well as providing affordable veterinary care to owned animals.

Income from the clinic will fund the training center so that it may operate in perpetuity.

In order to reach all of our goals, we need your help. Please consider donating to Planned Pethood International via the donation tab. Donors able to give over $1,000.00 USD will be honored with a plaque at the training center.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jeffrey Young has joined the Worldwide Veterinary Service. This amazing organization sends relief packages, veterinary teams, and funding to areas most in need across the globe. Founded by Dr. Luke Gamble to assist well-meaning but frequently underfunded organizations in countries with a lack of available veterinarians, the organization seeks to improve animal welfare globally.

Drs. Young and Gamble have worked together on many projects, most recently Mission Rabies. To find out more about WVS and all the work they do, visit wvs.uk.org.

Welcome to part three in our series on dealing with litter box issues. You can see part one here and part two here.

Multiple Cat Households

As a general rule, keep one litter box for each cat living in your home. Adding an extra box to the number of cats you keep is ideal. By nature, cats are territorial and giving them their own space can encourage box use. Place boxes in different areas of the room, if not in different rooms entirely.

If you’ve recently introduced a new cat into the home, your current cat may be reacting by marking her territory. Should this be the case, try a slow re-introduction of the cats to ensure that they both feel comfortable.

Cleaning

To discourage continued soiling it is important to use a cleaner that neutralizes the scent left behind in floors and carpets. Enzymatic cleaners work best for this purpose. Planet Pet suggests Absolutely Clean, a non-toxic cleaner that removes both stains and odors. Keep in mind that many non-enzymatic cleaners simply cover up odors rather than removing them. While you may not be able to smell anything offensive, your cat can still detect her own scent or that of other cats without full removal of the stain. A small blacklight can be helpful to identify stains that are not easily visible.

Confinement

Sometimes confining your cat to a single room when you are not at home, or when they tend to soil can help to get your cat back to regular litter box use. In this case, you will want your cat to have access to food and water, but place it as far away from the litter box as possible. Once the cat is regularly using the litter box, increase the amount of space in which the cat is confined, ideally, just one room at a time. Many times this will reacquaint the cat with the litter box as they do like to keep their territory clean.

The Declawed Cat

While we strongly oppose declawing cats, we recognize that some cat owners have chosen to adopt a declawed cat or had their cat declawed. Cats who are declawed are often very sensitive about their feet and clay litters can actually be painful. Softer, natural litters may be the way to go, along with an easy access litter box for the declawed cat. Additionally, if your declawed cat seems to be in any pain outside the litter box, it may be worth having your veterinarian x-ray their paws to make sure that bone fragments are not present or that new claws are not growing within the foot. To learn more about declawing cats, we encourage you to read the work of Dr. Christianne Schelling at www.declawing.com.

Miscellaneous Tips and Tricks

While it may seem like your cat is avoiding the litter box out of spite, chances are it has more to do with unmet needs. Does your cat feel safe and secure in her environment? Is she getting enough exercise? To keep your cat feeling safe, make sure there are high places she can access. Ideally provide your cat the ability to get around at least one room in your home without touching the floor. A cat tree or shelves designed for cats are great options to give your cat safe climbing space.

Play with your cat! Cats are hunters and need the act of hunting simulated daily to help them burn off energy. Fifteen minutes of daily interactive play with your cat will often resolve many common behavioral issues in cats.

Pheromone sprays or diffusers can also be an option to help cats who are avoiding their litter box. They work by releasing the scent of a mother cat, which can reduce stress in many cats and kittens.

Litter box issues are one of the primary reasons cats are given up by their owners. While it can be a challenging issue to solve, it’s not impossible. Spay or neuter your cat, provide a high quality diet, and keep a clean litter box and you’ll most likely be able to prevent litter box aversion and inappropriate elimination.

This is part two of our series on solving litter box issues. You can see part one here, and part three here.

What if the Problem Isn’t Medical?

Behavioral issues can be a bit more challenging to solve, but there are solutions! Start with your cat’s litter box. Is the litter box clean? Is is really clean? Scoop at least twice a day to make sure your cat has a clean place to do her business. Have you ever seen a bathroom you wouldn’t want to use? Cats don’t want to use a filthy bathroom either. Scooping more means you’ll actually spend less time cleaning. Remove the litter, (you don’t necessarily have to replace all of it, just take the litter out to get to the box), and clean the box thoroughly once a week. Replace litter completely once a month. If you keep the box clean, you can just top it off as needed, which will save you money on litter. If you hate scooping, you can try a self cleaning box, although they are pricey and can frighten some cats, or a sifting litter pan, which allows you lift the pan, clumps and other waste intact and dump it right in the trash. Sifting pans can also be used with liners, but if you ask us, liners are a waste and cats may dislike them creating further issues. Cats are much more likely to use a litter box that’s kept clean and sometimes inappropriate elimination can be solved simply by keeping a cleaner litter box. Your cat will thank you.

Speaking of litter…

Sometimes cats object to the type of litter being used. Did you recently switch brands? If you’re brand loyal to your toilet paper, think of it in the same way. Your cat may just like their usual litter. If you are switching types of litter, it’s usually best to slowly combine the new litter in with the old to make the transition go smoothly.

That said, let’s get into the different types of litter. Some scents may appeal to you, but could drive your cat away from her litter box. Strong florals or strong pine may just be a turn off for your cat. A cat’s sense of smell is exponentially better than yours and just like some strong perfumes are irritating to people, they can be to cats too.

The composition of your litter may also be driving your cat away. Some cats won’t touch pine litters, others will have nothing to do with clay litters. With clay litters, it’s important to note that silica dust can irritate the lungs of both cats and humans. Additionally, most types of clay litters won’t biodegrade once bonded with cat urine. Litters that are more natural can be more appealing to many cats and have the added benefit of being biodegradable. Most people know about standard clay litters. They are available at most supermarkets and discount stores. While readily available, they may not be the best option. Consider other types if your cat is not using the litter box regularly.

Wheat based litter tends not to be terribly dusty, clumps decently and does not hold lots of odor. It’s biodegradable and some brands can be flushed. If you are on a septic tank system or have old plumbing, err on the side of caution and stick to dumping waste in the trash.

Corn based litter is another option. It clumps a litter better than clay and also tends not to hold in odors. World’s Best Cat Litter is now widely available in their standard formulations and specialty pet stores carry their Advanced Natural line. Lindsay Barrett, manager of our rescue and pet boutique uses this litter exclusively because it clumps so well and doesn’t stick to the box. A medium sized bag lasts her about two months in a single cat household making it an economical and environmentally sound option.

Pine pellets are ecologically sound and now available at most discount stores, however, as mentioned earlier, cats may object to the scent and there is little clumping action with these litters. They can however, be a great option for cats with sensitive feet as they are generally soft.

Newspaper litters like Yesterday’s News are a great option for cats with injuries to their feet and many declawed cats prefer them.

Attractant litter can often help resolve issues where other litters have failed. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract or their litter box attractant can be mixed in with your regular litter or substituted to help bring cats back to the box.

If you’re considering a litter change and have the space, try a second litter box with a different litter substrate and see which your cat uses more, letting your cat choose can be easier than trial and error with new types of litter.

Is the type of litter box an issue?

Covered litter boxes are popular with people, but not always with cats. If you’re not scooping daily because you don’t have a visual reminder to clean the box, it may be unpleasant for your cat to use. If something has happened to startle your cat while they are in the box, they may feel threatened. Because cats can’t see out of many covered boxes, something as simple as a loud noise that occurred while they were inside may have spooked them and created a negative association with the box. Does your dog try to nose in while your cat is taking care of business? Because cats can’t see out of covered boxes they can feel cornered while inside. You can try taking the door off or better yet, remove the lid entirely and see if your cat returns to regular litter box use.

If your cat is older, high sided litter boxes may be difficult for her to enter. Try a box with lower sides or one that has a deep cut entry in front to allow for easy access.

Size Matters

If you cat is going near the litter box, consider it’s size. Does your cat fit comfortably inside the box? If you cat is just a bit outside, try a larger box, that may be all it takes.

Location, Location, Location

The laundry room is often an out of the way place to put a litter box, but the sounds the machines make could be upsetting your cat and preventing box use. Consider a quiet place where your can have privacy and can make a quick exit should they feel threatened. If need be, try a little used room. You can move the box if necessary if you’re concerned about visitors, however, a clean box won’t give off objectionable kitty odors.

Try to choose a location where you cat will be able to see the area around her and is unlikely to be bothered by other pets. Additionally, your cat’s food and water should not be kept next to the litter box. In fact, if you find your cat soiling a particular area of your home, placing food and water in that location may be a deterrent to inappropriate elimination.

Well lit areas can be a deterrent to litter box use as well. While the litter box area does not have to be entirely darkened, bright lighting may cause your cat to feel more vulnerable.

A Quick Word About Litter Mats

Litter mats are a great way to prevent the tracking of litter, but make sure it’s a comfortable surface for your cat. If you’ve recently placed a new mat, try removing it to see if your cat goes back to using the litter box. For cats with particularly sensitive feet, an old bath mat or towel may be the best option.

Our rescue receives calls daily from people who want to surrender cats that are urinating or defecating outside the litter box. It’s a frustrating problem, but there are solutions. This is an issue that will take time and effort to resolve, but be patient, persevere, and you can get your cat back to regular litter box use.

Over the next few days we’ll bring you a series of posts to help you solve your cat’s litter box issues. Today we’ll look at potential medical causes of inappropriate elimination.

First and foremost, spaying or neutering your cat is perhaps the best way to make sure your cat does not urine mark simply for the sake of marking. If your cat has not been altered, (spayed or neutered), it’s best to get them fixed immediately.

Should your cat begin to soil areas outside the litter box, the first step is to determine the probable cause. Frequently, it’s a medical issue, especially if it’s primarily urination. Bladder, urinary, and kidney infections are fairly common in cats. Take your cat to your veterinarian first to rule out any of these potential problems. Your vet can determine if your cat is dealing with bladder crystals, kidney stones or a urinary tract infection and treat it.

Often, in addition to medication, your veterinarian may prescribe a veterinary diet. However, according to Dr. Jeffery Young, most cats do not need to be on prescription food for the rest of their lives. Cats can be moved to a high quality grain free diet after the causal issue has been resolved.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they should only eat meat. They lack the enzymes necessary to digest grains and vegetables. Diets high in corn, wheat, soy, and rice can lead to urinary issues down the road. We strongly recommend that canned or raw food be a part of your daily feeding regimen. Cats do not have a particularly high thirst drive as they obtain up to 70 percent of the moisture their bodies need through their food. Dry food alone does not provide for your cat’s hydration needs. Check out Cat Info for more in-depth information. Surprisingly, some prepared raw diets are even more economical than canned to keep your cat healthy.

Make sure your cat has fresh water at all times. A pet fountain that continually circulates water can encourage some cats to drink more frequently. Also, some cats may dislike their bowl. We suggest staying away from plastic as it degrades over time and may leach chemicals or become porous and harbor bacteria. Stainless steel or lead free ceramic are better options. Some cats may be frightened by the reflection in stainless bowls, so if you don’t see your cat drinking frequently, consider trying a less reflective bowl style.

If you do choose to feed only dry, make sure you feed a grain free food and that your cat is drinking plenty of water. Fillers like rice, corn, wheat, and soy found in many foods do nothing to meet your cat’s nutritional needs. You’ll see less waste produced on a better diet and when it comes to dry food and you’ll feed your cat 30 to 50 percent less food than you would with a kibble that contains rice or other fillers.

If your cat is defecating outside her box, make sure her stool is normal. If it is softer than normal, contains blood, or looks in any way unusual, you may want to bring a sample to your vet. If your cat is having an issue controlling her bowels, you will want to have your vet make sure that all is well with her digestive system.

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Vaccinations are a key factor in your pet’s health. Keeping your pet up to date on routine shots can prevent major, life-threatening illnesses and expenses.

Vaccines Essential for All Dogs

Most municipalities require your animal be vaccinated for rabies. Rabies vaccines are available in one year and three year doses, speak to your veterinarian about which is right for your pet. Even if your pet is primarily indoors, accidents happen. It can be a bite from another animal, (feral cats, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, coyotes, and foxes all inhabit urban areas and have been known to bite pets); or a bite to another person or animal. On the off chance that your pet bites a person or pet and the bite, regardless of severity, is reported, proof of rabies vaccine will save your pet from quarantine and full rabies treatment which is lengthy and expensive.

Also essential for your dog is the distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/parvovirus or DHPP vaccine. All these illnesses are very costly to treat. Distemper is often deadly and dogs who survive can develop long-term neurological issues. It is carried by domestic dogs and wildlife, so your dog should be vaccinated as early as possible. Parvovirus can also be deadly and is transmitted through infected soil and fecal matter. Treatment requires weeks of hospitalization.

Puppies should have three rounds of DHPP vaccine spaced one month apart. After that, dogs should be vaccinated yearly. Most boarding facilities, day cares, and groomers require that your dog has had at least these two vaccines.

Other Vaccines for Dogs

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that is most common in areas with large amounts of standing or slow moving water; it is also transmittable to humans. Discuss with your veterinarian if a lepto vaccine is appropriate for your dog based on your activities.

Bordetella, better known as kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection. If you dog goes to day care, grooming, or dog parks frequently, a bordetella vaccine may be in your best interest to prevent this upper respiratory condition. Many boarding facilities and groomers require that your dog be vaccinated.

Lyme Disease is significantly more prevalent in certain areas of the world than others and is spread by ticks. If you regularly take your dog on hikes, travel, or have found ticks in your yard, discuss prevention with your vet.

Canine Influenza is common in shelters and boarding facilities. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if your dog should be vaccinated.

The corona virus infects the intestinal tract and is most common in warm, humid climates.

Essential Vaccines for Cats

All kittens should receive two courses of the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia or FVRCP vaccine. After kittenhood, cats should be vaccinated yearly. This vaccine is sometimes called the feline distemper shot.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are the most infectious upper respiratory infections in cats untreated, both can turn in pneumonia and cause severe complications. When vaccinated, cats may still show symptoms, but symptoms are considerably more mild and easily treated.
Panleukopenia or feline distemper is serious, can cause anemia, and can be fatal. It is highly contagious and therefore the vaccine protocol should be annual.

Like all mammals, cats can get rabies. Cats that are allowed outdoors should be vaccinated regularly and should they bit another animal or human, they require quarantine and treatment if vaccines are not up to date. Many jurisdictions require cats to be vaccinated.

Other Vaccines for Cats

Chlamydia is not uncommon in cats. If you do not keep your cat indoors, it is best to speak with your veterinarian about the vaccine.

Feline Leukemia or Felv, is a recommended vaccine for outdoor cats as is the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV vaccine. Both conditions are serious, contagious, and require a great deal of veterinary care. The good news is that indoor cats have a very low risk for developing either disease.

Bordetella can be contracted by cats as well as dogs. Owners of cats who are frequently boarded, who come into contact with foster animals, or who travel should speak with their veterinarian about a bordetella vaccine for their cats.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP is typically fatal in cats. While a vaccine is available, there is only one licensed manufacturer and the efficacy of the vaccine has not been shown to be particularly high. This vaccine is one that is most applicable to owners of catteries rather than most house cat owners.

The Bottom Line

Just like human vaccines, pet vaccines are life and cost savers. Serious reactions and complications are not common. If you have concerns, speak to your vet, however, at the very least rabies vaccinations are required by law for most cats and dogs, and the DHPP and FVRCP vaccine should be given to your pet regularly based on a schedule you and your veterinarian determine.

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As the weather gets colder don’t forget, pets are susceptible to frostbite and too much exposure to the elements can be deadly. Use these cold weather tips to keep your pets healthy and warm this winter. Keep a Tight Leash: Put the retractable leash away for the winter to avoid slips … Continue reading →

FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier and males have a greatly reduced risk of cancers and other complications if neutered early.

MYTH: I want my children to experience the miracle of birth.

FACT: The miracle of birth is quickly overshadowed by the thousands of animals euthanized in animal shelters in communities all across the country. Most animals from a home bred litter will end their lives in a shelter. Teach children that all life is precious by spaying and neutering your pets.

MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.

FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed and purebred. About half of all animals entering shelters are euthanized.

MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.

FACT: It is a dog’s natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

MYTH: I don’t want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.

FACT: Pets don’t have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality. He doesn’t suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.

FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don’t give them enough exercise.

MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

FACT: Your pet’s puppies or kittens have an unlikely chance of being a carbon copy of your pet. Even professional breeders cannot make this guarantee. There are shelter pets waiting for homes who are just as cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own.

MYTH: It’s expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

FACT: Most regions of the U.S. have at least one spay/neuter clinic within driving distance that charge $100 or less for the procedure, and many veterinary clinics provide discounts through subsidized voucher programs. Low-cost spay/neuter is more and more widely available all the time. Planned Pethood’s spay and neuter surgeries start as low as $40. Click here to find low-cost spay and neuter services in your area.

MYTH: I’ll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.

FACT: You may find homes for your pet’s puppies and kittens. But you can only control what decisions you make with your own pet, not the decisions other people make with theirs. Your pet’s puppies and kittens, or their puppies or kittens, could end up in an animal shelter, as one of the many homeless pets in every community competing for a home. Will they be one of the lucky ones?

In 1996 a board member of The Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force, (MSNTF), read an article on a young veterinarian who had converted a school bus into a mobile spay and neuter unit. The board member passed the article along to Jean Atthowe, then president of the Task Force. The vet was Dr. Jeff Young of Planned Pethood Plus in Denver. Jean reached out, Dr. Young and his then partner strapped a canoe to the top of the bus and set out for the Blackfoot Nation, who had invited the Task Force to help them control the bands of roving dogs that had become a safety risk for the community.

In the following years, Dr. Young helped with a number of free spay neuter events set up by the MSNTF at the request of tribal councils throughout Montana. Jean worked tirelessly with the communities, organizing local volunteers who fed and sheltered Task Force volunteers, veterinarians, and technicians who spayed and neutered dogs and cats free of charge. By 2001 all the Native American Nations tribal councils in Montana had set aside funds for vouchers for the events, to cover travel expenses for vets, and were fully on board with the Task Force mission to stop pet overpopulation at its source.

In addition to running a busy low-cost veterinary clinic, Dr. Young is the long distance running coach at North High School in Denver. Dr. Young and organized the Planned Pethood Posse, a volunteer group composed of North High students dedicated to animal causes. Since the early 2000’s the Posse has traveled to Montana with Dr. Young and other Planned Pethood volunteers to help with MSNTF events. The Montana trips are part volunteer effort, part travel opportunity, and part running camp. The track student volunteers are a dedicated lot. While in Montana they run twice a day, typically for an hour or more. After their morning runs, they help prepare animals for surgery, and work with residents in the community they are visiting. As the trips are two weeks long, groups of high school students rotate in and out over the course of the trip.

This year, several international veterinary students also joined the Planned Pethood team. Two students from Mexico, two from Portugal, two from the former Czech Republic, and one student from the United Kingdom all traveled to Denver to hone their surgical skills and donate their time. Over six hundred animals were spayed or neutered. As Jean Atthowe explained, “this is about more than just helping dogs and cats; it brings communities together.”